Young Adults

Welcome to your Jewish community. Come on in.

Interested in getting more involved in your Jewish community? New to the Bay Area? Want to meet like-minded new people? You’ve come to the right place!

Based around the Jewish values of kehilla (community), tzedakah (giving with just intention), and tikkun olam (repairing the world), the Federation supports young adults (ages 22-40) to grow and connect through shared goals, interests, and experiences. We host a wide variety of educational, leadership, volunteer, and social activities that allow for meaningful involvement while benefiting the local and global Jewish community.

We have two signature young adult programs.

Young Adult Division (YAD)

The Young Adult Division (YAD) of the Federation offers young Jewish adults (ages 22-40) a broad range of social, educational, outreach, philanthropic, and leadership development activities. The primary focus of YAD is to develop a vigorous and vibrant local community of young Jewish adults, to engage and develop future volunteer leaders, and to raise funds to support the neediest within the local, national, and international Jewish community.

The young adults in our community come from all backgrounds and lifestyles, bringing a wide range of perspectives and experiences. YAD activities empower Bay Area young adults to become active participants in our Jewish community, and connect young professionals and the Jewish community by reinforcing core Jewish values of tikkun olam (repairing the world) and tzedakah (giving with just intention).

Leadership Development

The Federation offers two volunteer leadership development opportunities for young adults:

Leadership 365 is a cohort-based leadership development program for young adults, ages 21-40 in the Bay Area. Now recruiting for its second cohort, the program fosters young, passionate, emerging leaders to step into volunteer roles across our community.

Fed Fellows educates participants in nonprofit decision-making, cultivates relationships, and promotes a sense of belonging for up to 20 individuals to be the next leaders of the Jewish community.

Engagement

YADinner is our causal dinner series, where young adults from around the Bay Area gather for intimate dinners—between 8 and 10 people—at various restaurants in a given neighborhood. Following the meal, all of the dinner groups meet together for a larger social gathering with drinks, dessert, and schmoozing.

Newish and Jewish brings together recent transplants and those seeking to get more involved with the Bay Area's Jewish young adult community, and connects them with local organizations over a fun Happy Hour. Beer, wine, and snacks will be provided.

YAD's annual Day of Volunteering brings over 100 young adults together to volunteer at various sites throughout San Francisco. This event happens every July.

Tikkun Olam/Service

Interested in meeting new people or hanging out with friends while giving back? YAD hosts several opportunities throughout the year to come together and participate in hands-on community service projects. These events support both grantee organizations of the Federation, and community organizations that YAD volunteers choose to support in the spirit of tikkun olam.

Young Adult National Programming

YAD is proud to be part of Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) National Young Leadership network. Through JFNA we offer amazing opportunities, including a national JFNA Birthright trip and NYL Cabinet.

Birthright Experience

Taglit-Birthright Israel is a free, 10-day immersive experience in Israel for Jewish young adults, ages 18-32. Through visits to Jewish historical and holy sites, authentic encounters with Israeli peers, and fun outdoor adventures, this unforgettable experience strengthens personal Jewish identity, Jewish communities, and solidarity with Israel. Over 650,000 Jews from around the world have gone on a Birthright trip—it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity not to be missed!

The Jewish Community Federation and Endowment Fund is a proud supporter and financial sponsor of Birthright Israel. Each year, we send eight buses of 40 participants each on a special Bay Area Community trip, staffed with local educators and mentors who can connect participants to Bay Area Jewish life upon their return. The Federation has vibrant post-trip programming for alumni, so that their Birthright experience doesn’t end when they come home.

Our upcoming trips

Go to Israel with your Bay Area peers! The Federation partners with Israel Outdoors, the largest provider of Taglit-Birthright Israel outings, to offer trips during winter and summer exclusively for Bay Area residents, ages 22-26. It’s the perfect way to get both the essential Birthright experience and to make new friends who live in the Bay Area.

Want to staff a trip?

The Federation is looking for energetic, passionate, dedicated individuals who are up for a demanding and rewarding experience. Complete an application and learn more about our staffing requirements.

For Birthright Israel Alumni

You’re back. Now what? Birthright Israel is about building connections…so stay connected. Maybe you've just returned home or your trip took place a while ago and you'd like to continue your involvement. Either way, you’ve come to the right place. The Federation’s Birthright Experience is about connecting young adults with Jewish activities in the Bay Area that match their interests. Not only do we have an energetic Young Adult Division within the Federation, but we also partner with a wide range of organizations to sponsor cool and exciting events around the Bay Area.

If you are interested in learning how to be more connected with your Jewish community, please contact us. We'd be happy to take you to coffee—on us!

Leadership

Meet the Bay Area Young Adult Peer Connectors

We are lucky to live in one of the most innovative, creative, and diverse Jewish communities in North America and believe that there is somewhere for every Jewish young adult here to find meaning and connection. Whether you grew up steeped in a Jewish upbringing, or were never quite sure what being Jewish meant to you, or you've sometimes thought "I'm only Jew-ish,” we want to hear more about your unique journey.

Our Young Adult Peer Connectors can help you find those opportunities that will pique your interest or motivate you to make a change and connect you with the people that share your passions and interests. They are excited to get to know you and support you in finding a sense of belonging and community within Jewish life.

Hi, I’m Sasha. I am passionate about farming in collaboration with our earth and her cycles, exploring the ways food and agriculture connect us to our ancestral roots, and co-creating, pooling resources, and sharing wisdom with partners working toward a more free, liberated world.

A fourth-generation San Franciscan born in Japan, you can find me biking around SF and Oakland, dancing, playing, growing, exploring, and loving the many hubs of art, resilience, and community we hold here. I like datura trees, the color gold, and “neba-neba.” Let’s connect!

Reed is a hospice chaplain, educator, and bodyworker. They received their Bachelor of Arts from Brandeis University in Women's and Gender Studies. Reed studied at Pardes in Jerusalem in the Year Fellowship Program and then for two years at the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies. They completed their chaplaincy residency at St. Mary's Medical Center in San Francisco and have been working in home hospice ever since.

Reed is currently completing a Masters in Judaic Studies at the Academy of Jewish Religion of California with an emphasis on LGBTQI+ Youth Empowerment. Reed is a certified massage therapist, yoga teacher and has had a bodywork, spiritual counseling, and life cycle facilitation private practice for the past seven years. Reed often weaves music into their work whether it is in the classroom, at a patient's bedside, or at ritual gatherings.

Born and raised in the East Bay, Dyanna Loeb has lived in Haifa, Tel Aviv, and Kingston, Jamaica. She is passionate about elevating Jewish histories and cultures of communities throughout the diaspora. A poet, dancer, and MC, she loves exploring art as a tool for healing and bringing people together. Dyanna previously worked with Hebrew Free Loan and JIMENA: Jews Indigenous to the Middle East and North Africa.

She is thrilled to be supporting young adults in creating meaningful Shabbat dinner gatherings in her role as a OneTable Field Fellow. Fun fact: Dyanna has danced in Caribbean carnival parades in Jamaica, Miami, Hollywood, and San Francisco for the past 5 years!

Young Adult Division (YAD)

Interested in learning more about how to get involved with YAD? Fill out this form! You can also contact Danit Trau, Senior Program Officer, Young Adult Engagement with any questions, or call 415.369.2873.

Birthright Experience

Interested in going on Birthright Israel? Or maybe you went on Birthright Israel and are now looking to get connected to other young Jews in the Bay Area? If so, contact Danit Trau, Senior Program Officer, Young Adult Engagement with any questions, or call 415.369.2873.

Another great way to stay in the loop: check out the Federation’s event calendar.

Media

Gallery of past YAD events

Birthright Israel gallery

Resources

The many opportunities for engaging in Jewish life in the Bay Area run the spectrum.

While YAD is a great place to start, the Bay Area Jewish community is full of opportunities and organizations that cater to young adults. Below is a listing of resources we’ve compiled to help you participate in a wide variety of educational, leadership, volunteer, and social activities.

All organizations are located in San Francisco unless otherwise specified.

Arts and Culture

Jewish Film Institute - The Jewish Film Institute inspires communities in San Francisco and around the world to expand their understanding of Jewish life through film, media, and dialogue. JFI hosts annual movie festivals, Winterfest and the Jewish Film Festival, and has a wide array of media on their website. Connect with them on Facebook.

Jewish Studio Project (East Bay) - JSP empowers individuals of all levels of Jewish knowledge and arts experience to activate their creativity, gain new insights and address challenging communal issues. JSP works with synagogues, nonprofits, Hillels, and other Jewish communities. Connect with them on Facebook.

Contemporary Jewish Museum - Through innovative exhibitions and programs, the CJM makes the diversity of the Jewish experience relevant for a 21st century audience. Their Night at the Jewseum program is specifically designed for young adults. Connect with them on Facebook.

The SOMA Shul - A project of Chabad, the SOMA Shul is a place for people to get together and celebrate their Judaism. They host Friday night services, happy hour, Shabbat dinners, and weekly Torah study groups. Connect with them on Facebook.

The Kitchen - A religious community deeply grounded in serious exploration of Jewish text, tradition, and ritual. Connect with them on Facebook.

Mission Minyan - Mission Minyan is a group of Jews who get together on a regular basis for spirited traditional davening and related festivities. This community gathers for dynamic, aesthetically compelling, liturgically complete davening, as well as study and social events. Connect with them on Facebook.

Professional Networking

Young Jewish Professionals of Oakland (Oakland) - A vibrant group of Jewish young professionals, YJP offers events for those in their 20s and 30s to meet, network, and socialize in a welcoming and relaxed setting with a spirited vibe. Connect with them on Facebook.

Business Leadership Council - The Federation’s Business Leadership Council (BLC) provides opportunities to expand your network and learn from experts while supporting the Jewish community. BLC offers speaker panels on topics ranging from Investing in Israeli Businesses to Commercial Real Estate Market Update, volunteer opportunities, Business Referral Communities, as well as its annual fundraising breakfast with its established reputation for dynamic speakers and stellar networking.

Globally-focused

JDC Entwine - A one-of-a-kind movement for young Jewish leaders, influencers, and advocates who seek to make a meaningful impact on global Jewish needs and international humanitarian issues. Entwine offers service experiences in Jewish communities around the world, educational events and programs, and leadership development opportunities. Connect with them on Facebook.

Jews Indigenous to the Middle East and North Africa (JIMENA) - JIMENA is dedicated to educating and advocating on behalf of the 850,000 Jewish refugees from the Middle East and North Africa. In addition to student internships and Israel advocacy trainings, JIMENA has a Young Professionals Group aimed at those aged 21-45 who support their mission. Connect with them on Facebook.

New Israel Fund - NIF helps Israel ensure complete equality of social and political rights to all its inhabitants. New Generations, NIF’s young adult branch, is an open and vibrant community of young professionals, social activists, community leaders and students in their 20s and 30s who want to learn about and engage with the most important issues facing Israel today. Connect with them on Facebook.

Israel Cultural Connection (ICC@JCC)- ICC is a hub for the Israeli community where one can connect to their Israeli identity, celebrate Israeli culture and explore what it means to be an Israeli Jew living outside of Israel.

ENGAJ (Palo Alto) - A collaboration of the Oshman Family JCC and Hillel@Stanford, ENGAJ inspires Peninsula Jewish young professionals and graduate students to connect meaningfully. Connect with them on Facebook.

Moishe House - Fueled by enormous demand for peer-led, home-based programming from young adults and their Jewish communities, Moishe House has become a global leader of Jewish life for young adults. The Bay Area proudly has five Moishe Houses – East Bay, Palo Alto, SF Dolores, SF North Beach, and SF Valencia – all of which host seven programs per month, ranging from discussions on racial justice to halva-making workshops.

Jewbilee SF - Founded by three San Franciscans, Jewbilee SF is a monthly party for Jews in their 20s and 30s. Connect with them on Facebook.

InterfaithFamily - InterfaithFamily is the premiere resource supporting interfaith couples exploring Jewish life and inclusive Jewish communities. They offer educational content; connections to welcoming organizations, professionals and programs; resources and trainings for organizations, clergy and other program providers; and their new InterfaithFamily/Your Community initiative, providing coordinated, comprehensive offerings in local communities. Connect with them on Facebook.

Cause-based

Urban Adamah (Berkeley) - Urban Adamah is an educational farm and community center that integrates the practices of Jewish tradition, sustainable agriculture, mindfulness and social action to build loving, just and sustainable communities. They provide educational programs and community celebrations for more than 5,000 visitors a year, as well as a residential fellowship program for young adults. Connect with them on Facebook.

Wilderness Torah (Berkeley) - Wilderness Torah’s mission is to awaken and celebrate the earth-based traditions of Judaism in order to nourish the connections between self, community, earth and Spirit. They provide multi-generational holiday retreats, Jewish youth education, community programs, and young adult leadership training. Connect with them on Facebook.

OneTable - OneTable helps people in their 20s and 30s find, enjoy and share Shabbat dinners. OneTable provides one-on-one support to help the host find Jewish rituals that work best for them, as well as a nourishment credit of $15 per person. Connect with them on Facebook.

Reboot - Reboot affirms the value of Jewish traditions and creates new ways for people to make them their own. They provide creative projects that spark the interest of young Jews and the larger community, such as The Friday App, 10Q, and Beyond Bubbie. Connect with them on Facebook.

Bend the Arc - Bend the Arc is building the power and passion of the progressive Jewish movement in America by bringing together Jews from across the country to advocate and organize for a more just and equal society. Connect with them on Facebook.

Volunteer Opportunities

Young Professional Community Connection at JFCS - Designed to create monthly volunteer opportunities for professionals in their 20s and 30s who are looking for ongoing and meaningful experiences. The project has a unique structure, which incorporates training from field experts at JFCS, and followed by direct service projects after each training; all guided by Jewish values. The project also includes a social component, where volunteers are able to meet other young professionals interested in giving back to the community.

Jewish Coalition for Literacy (JCL) - JCL tutors provide one-on-one reading support for struggling readers from low-income homes. Daytime, afternoon, and early evening hours are available. Connect with them on Facebook.

Day of Volunteering - YAD’s Day of Volunteering brings over 100 young adults together to volunteer at various sites throughout San Francisco. This event happens annually every July.